Sacramento –
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif) didn’t dismiss the possibility of entering the race for California’s governorship in 2026 when asked about it during a conversation. Instead, he emphasized his commitment to the upcoming special elections in November, where voters will have the chance to redraw the California Capitol District. This move aims to counter the efforts of President Trump and other Republican leaders to maintain their grip on Congress.
“I’m focused, and I encourage everyone to concentrate on the special election on November 4th,” Padilla shared in an interview at a political summit in Sacramento.
The 52-year-old senator noted that the work to redraw a legislative district, which is crucial in supporting Governor Gavin Newsom in response to similar Republican initiatives, goes beyond what’s often seen as mere district reshuffling.
“My Republican colleagues, particularly in the White House, are aware of how popular their actions are and how damaging they can be, from various budget cuts to proposed tax credits for Medicare and nutritional assistance programs, not to mention their influence on billionaires,” Padilla stated. “Their only hope to retain power beyond next November is to manipulate the system.”
Recently, Padilla’s name has surfaced as a potential replacement for Newsom, who is unable to pursue another term. The political landscape is quite fluid, especially after former Vice President Kamala Harris opted out of the governor’s race, leaving many voters undecided and no clear frontrunners in sight.
When probed about what motivates him, Padilla reflected on his long history of serving Californians across various levels of government.
“I love California, right?” he remarked. “I’ve had the privilege and honor of functioning in so many different roles.”
Padilla’s political journey began in 1999 when he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council at just 26. At the time, he was living in Pacoima with his parents—a Mexican-born housekeeper and a short-term chef.
Following that, he continued to rise through California’s political ranks, serving as a state senator and California Secretary. In 2020, Newsom appointed him to fill Harris’ Senate seat, making him the first Latinx representative in the Senate.
